Visiting Château de Chenonceau: Castle Tour, Boat Rides, Stay at Château d’Artigny, and Discoveries around Clos Lucé and Château-Gaillard

The Renaissance Balcony Perched on a rocky spur, the Château d’Amboise offers one of the most beautiful panoramas in the Loire Valley. A former residence of the kings of France, this monument marks a major turning point in history: it was here that Italian influence took firm root at court, transforming the medieval fortress into a Renaissance palace of exceptional refinement. A visit is a journey to the heart of royal power, from the richly furnished apartments to the imposing cavalier towers (the Tour des Minimes and the Tour Heurtault), whose gently sloping ramps once allowed horses and carriages direct access to the terraces. But the site is also inextricably linked to a universal figure: Leonardo da Vinci. Invited by Francis I, the Tuscan genius spent the last years of his life in Amboise and now rests in the Saint-Hubert Chapel, a jewel of Flamboyant Gothic sculpture suspended above the void. Between its Mediterranean gardens, its ramparts steeped in history and its sweeping views of the royal river, the Château d'Amboise perfectly embodies French elegance and art de vivre.

Visit Leonardo da Vinci's home. New: his workshops recreated! Discover the Renaissance rooms, frescoes by his disciples, and 40 models of his fabulous machines. An enlightening journey through the landscaped grounds, a veritable open-air museum featuring 20 models and paintings.

A 5-star tourist hotel with 56 rooms, located 15 km from Tours. It offers luxury accommodation, a spa (sauna, hot tub, hammam, fitness center, tennis courts), a swimming pool, and a gourmet restaurant (L'ORIGAN). Built by the renowned perfumer Coty in the 18th-century style, this sumptuous residence, whose dazzling white stone contrasts with the lush greenery of its 25-hectare park, overlooks the Indre Valley. The hotel restaurant serves gourmet regional cuisine prepared with local produce. The two dining rooms feature marble floors and are adorned with gilded pillars.

Château Gaillard in Amboise is an impressive fortress located in the heart of the Loire Valley, offering exceptional views over the historic town of Amboise. Built in the 15th century, it showcases the military and residential architecture of the late Middle Ages, blending elegance and strength. Its imposing towers and restored ramparts allow visitors to immerse themselves in the royal and military history of the region while enjoying spectacular views of the Loire River.

Inside, the castle features richly decorated rooms and exhibitions on daily life at the court and on famous figures associated with the estate, including anecdotes about François I. The surrounding gardens provide a pleasant and picturesque walk, perfect for relaxing while admiring the typical Loire landscapes. Its proximity to the center of Amboise also makes it easy to combine a castle visit with a stroll through the historic town and its charming medieval streets.